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UMass poll: awareness of DEI has risen; majority in Massachusetts oppose ending state DEI policies
Summary
A UMass Amherst poll presented to the committee shows rising public awareness of DEI terminology, strong support for workplace and professional DEI training, and that Massachusetts residents are more likely than the national average to oppose ending state DEI policies.
The UMass Amherst poll presented to the joint committee found public awareness of the phrase “diversity, equity and inclusion” has increased substantially since early 2024 and that a plurality of Americans oppose federal attempts to eliminate DEI policies. In Massachusetts specifically, a majority of respondents opposed ending state policies that promote DEI in education, employment, and housing.
Key findings presented by poll director Professor Natera: - Awareness: The percent of Americans who said they had read, seen or heard about DEI rose from about 50–55% in January 2024 to roughly 76% in April 2025. - Support for ending DEI programs: Nationally, opinion was closely divided in mid‑2024; by April 2025 a plurality opposed ending federal DEI policies. In Massachusetts, 52% of respondents opposed any effort to end state policies promoting DEI in education, employment and housing, while 32% supported ending them. - Professional DEI training: About seven in ten Americans said professions such as teachers, medical professionals, the military and police should receive DEI training; support remained substantial though it fell slightly in some samples between 2024 and 2025. - Arguments and messaging: The poll showed skepticism toward both pro‑DEI and anti‑DEI argument frames — roughly three in ten respondents agreed with statements framed as either justification for DEI or claims that DEI produces reverse discrimination.
Why it matters: The poll suggests that while DEI is a politicized term, many residents — especially in Massachusetts — still support state policies and trainings associated with diversity and inclusion. The poll also indicated the public is receptive to trainings for public‑facing professions.
Ending note: Professor Natera said the UMass poll will continue to track public views on DEI and related topics and provide data to policymakers as litigation and policy debates proceed.
